But I still suggest carrying a few different types of leaders with you when you head out.

Aaron

01-10-2001 11:54 AM

Roop

RE:Bonefish Leaders

THanks Aaron - much appreciated.

Interesting timing, I received my copy of SWFF yesterday with an article by Chico Fernandez touting the value of a 12' leader using the 50/25/25 formula.

It's been so long since I worried about leader tapers. A few of my friends that have fished warmwater & trout with me always remark at my 4' of 15# mono with a 4' 4# tippet. I guess some salt species (stripers in deep) are a little more forgiving.

But in general, the bonefish flies I use are a bit lighter and easier to cast than those I use for stripers on the flats. Some of the large, heavy, or bulky flies that you might use for stripers might overwork this leader.

I guess a lot depends on the conditions - windy vs calm, aggressive vs wary fish, dropoffs vs skinny water. In each of these cases, the former would be a good time to use a heavier, if not shorter, leader and tippet. The latter instances (e.g., skinny water) would be better for longer leaders, lighter tippets, and smaller or light-weight flies - more like fishing for bonefish. I usually carry a couple of leaders in my pack just for this reason, and even have a leader that is all fluorocarbon just in case the fish are especially tough.

Aaron

01-05-2001 02:34 PM

Roop

Bonefish Leaders

I'm planning on focusing on flats style fishing for stripers this year and am interested in what others use for bonefish leaders that they tie themselves.

Or, should I just stay with the 4' butt section of 20# and a 4' tippet of 12# and not worry about it?